Indonesia-focused Asiamet Resources Limited (LON:ARS, CVE:ARS) said the process to convert the Beutong project to production status from exploration was now in "latter stages", as it posted first quarter results to end March.
The group holds a 40% indirect interest in the Beutong Izin Usaha Pertambangan (Beutong IUP) and there have been delays on the conversion related to mining law.
Approval of the IUP production would secure long term mining title valid for 20 years, extendable for two subsequent periods each of 10 years' duration.
Beutong is a large scale copper-gold-moly resource with potential for significant additional upside. It covers two porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum prospects.
Meanwhile, the group has also been progressing the conversion of the Jelai Izin Usaha Pertambangan (Jelai IUP), in which it has a 100% indirect interest from exploration to production.
Meanwhile, the highlight of quarter was the positive results from the PEA for the firm's main Beruang Kanan Main Copper deposit (BKM), it noted.
Exploration and evaluation expenditures on Asiamet projects for the three months totaled $498,024 or 72% of total expenses of $694,753, the firm said.
Broker VSA repeated a 6.2p target price and 'speculative buy' rating and said it saw the firm moving right along with its advancement of its copper and gold projects in Indonesia. "The quality of its projects is recognised by investors with the success of the most recent fundraising to carry on with its work plans toward production." Shares eased 3.61% to 2p.